Robby and Naty’s Africa Weblog

It’s amazing to think that we left the States 2 months ago, and even more amazing to think that we left our home in Santa Cruz almost 4 months ago!!  We thank God for this time, and all of you who have made it possible for us to do this.

This past week has been a week of firsts.

Tuesday, I attended a typical Malawian funeral.  It was held first at the house of the person who had passed away, then moved to an Anglican church.  It’s interesting that death is much more evident here than anywhere else we’ve been.  Everyday, we hear that so and so’s relative has died, or that there is a funeral that needs to be attended.  When someone passes away, it is normal for the whole community to come out, especially in the villages.  If someone does not attend who expected to attend, it is seen as though that person had something to do with the death (it has to do alot with witchcraft etc.).

This week Amibilike, Pastor Felix 6 week old son, had to have an emergency hernia surgery.  We praise God that all went well and he is back in the house.  Ambilike was born about 5 weeks early, and had been doing well. Last week, however, he started crying and didn’t stop for almost a day and a half.  When they took him to the doctor, they diagnosed it as a hernia, and he went into surgery that night.  We thank everybody for their prayers this week.

Another first for me was teaching a class at Kairos Leadership Institute and Theological Seminary (KLITS).  It was the English class, which I’m not too passionate about, but it is needed for these guys to be able to write papers that make sense to the reader as well as the writer.  It seemed to go well, and we had fun.  However, my voice is not used to speaking for 8 hours straight, and when Sunday came around it was completely gone.  This morning (Monday) it still hasn’t come back.  As Pastor Felix put it, “You’re getting your preacher’s voice”.  Anyways, this next Saturday we will be having English class again, then I will have a break for about 3 weeks before starting the Foundation of Missions course.  Please pray that my voice will come back and we will be able to continue with the classes.

Naty was able to continue writing her menus for Ministry of Hope, and once again was teaching the children in Kairos Christian Center (the church we are working with).  We praise God that we have been healthy and have been able to keep busy.  We are both learning so much about ministry and it has been a great experience, as well as growing closer to each other and to God.  Thank you all for giving so generously in God’s work through us!